1973 Pontiac GTO at upcoming Mecum Auction

CdnGMfan · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

1973 Pontiac GTO at upcoming Mecum Auction

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

Appreciate the article and valuation. I really want to get rid of mine so an unsolicited object opinion is very worthwhile.

CdnGMfan · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

I was thinking of you, as well as a few others, when I posted it.

Of course, in your case you got the exhaust tips right

MC · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

I like it, though I'm not really digging the wheels on that car. Easiest thing to change, though.

It'll be interesting to see what it goes for. While I'm a fan of them, it seems that the colonnades still haven't caught on much.

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

Sold for $30,800

CdnGMfan · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

I think both buyer and seller can agree it was worth it then. It is a nice specimen of a car that was uncommon 50 years ago.

They took some liberties in the paint colour choice, as the solid red wasn't used in the A-line (AFAIK), rather the dark red Florentine Red metallic. I remember seeing one such '73 GTO in Mississauga back in '87 next door to work. I had to check it out, work could wait. It was almost identical to the auction car except for Florentine Red paint, black interior, and the L75 455 with 455 c.i.d. decals, rolling on factory 15x7 Rally II wheels. The car was very original, and obviously a driver since new. The paint was faded, rusted lower sections that were getting deeper (rust never sleeps), and the interior needed saving. Back in '87 one could have still probably been able to get some factory quarters, or even a nice nondescript dry-state donor car (DVAP, Goat Barn...) One might have still been able to get the nice chrome '73 GM tips still; I bought NOS hood hinges and springs for my '67 from Herron Chevrolet in Mississauga.

MC · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

I have to disagree on the paint being solid red. I think it is metallic, and probably is Florentine Red. The upper surface close-ups give the impression of a solid red, but if you look at the sides that aren't in direct light (and the upper door jamb as well), it reflects as a metallic, and not totally unlike the brochure cover Lemans (which is shown in very dark lighting). Lighting and camera auto light level adjustments can change colour impressions, and my vote is that this is the case here.

Another thing I've noticed on vintage cars is that many people paint them with base-clear mixed to match the original colour, but to my eye the colour always seems off a little when compared to an original enamel or lacquer finish without clearcoat.

1973 Lemans brochure cover.jpg

CdnGMfan · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

I think you nailed it, Mark. The new formulations look different than the original under different light conditions. To casual observation, with the pictures provided, it looked like solid paint to me. The brochure pic of the 4-door ^^ looks like the way I remember Florentine Red. It was fade-prone unless you kept it up with regular waxing.

Having said too much already about the 1973 red, I remember seeing a brand new 1973 Grande Ville convertible on a car transport in Detroit in bright red non-metallic. It had a white convertible top & interior, Rally IIs & body-coloured Sport Mirrors, plus a 455. That would have been a keeper you could drive the wheels off.

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

Just noticed that the rear quarter louvers in the car are painted matt black. This was not a factory treatment. Cars ordered with factory Vinyl top had louvers painted to match the roof otherwise the louvers were body coloured.

Canadian Poncho · A Poncho Legend!

Good catch Ray. Dad's 77 Sport Coupe had body painted louvers and as a kid in the back seat they were great for giving you car sickness!

DonSSDD · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Went sailing today, saw this parked next door, asked about it. The lady who owns it told me she got it for a wedding or engagement present in 1991, from her husband to be. It's a 1976 Triumph 750. Man after my own heart. Its probably for sale.

CdnGMfan · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

I can hear the mellow tone of that vertical twin a block away.

MC · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Gee Don, I thought you were going to lead into a story about a '73 GTO hiding away in her garage... ;)

73SC · A Poncho Legend!

And the GOLD medal for the year's most massive derail goes to..........DonSSDD

DonSSDD · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Fat fingered SPOTTED in the post listings but maybe AI jumped in? Its almost a colour match though?

Pritch · Guru

There is a connection since the Triumph is a Bonneville 750.

bjburnout · Uber Guru

DonSSDD wrote:
Went sailing today, saw this parked next door, asked about it. The lady who owns it told me she got it for a wedding or engagement present in 1991, from her husband to be. It's a 1976 Triumph 750. Man after my own heart. Its probably for sale.

Well Don if it isn't I know where there is a beautiful 68 Triumph Trophy 650 for sale - nudge nudge - wink wink biggrin

DonSSDD · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

73SC wrote:
And the GOLD medal for the year's most massive derail goes to..........DonSSDD

There are plenty of ways to get famous Ray.

BJ, Ive had one bike in my life, a 1971 Kawasaki 500 2 stroke. Never was tempted to buy one of the them slow 4 strokes.

The derail continues.